As my first film festival, it was very special to me. I found that directors were much more approachable than I expected, and gave me amazing advice while being really interested in my passions.

Every film that I saw gave me a new perspective on an issue or lifestyle, and I made connections between multiple films and ideas easily.

The films that I saw-Putin's Kiss, Kissed By Lightning, Cotton Road, Veins in the Gulf, and Nanook of the North- and the Concert For Microtopias inspired me to look at my ideas and work in new ways.

Dying to Live also had a powerful message, but the way in which it was presented was a little too biased for my taste.

FLEFF gave me, and everyone that attended, a different environment. Yes, this is what it advertises, but it gave us an environment to intellectually discuss film, music, and ideas that I have never seen before.

It was an unbelievable experience, and I cannot wait to be a part of the festival again next year.